Chocolates are a favorite of many people. Cacao, the component used in some chocolates, turns out to have numerous health benefits. According to experts, it has been revealed that it actually contains important compounds that can benefit your health.

Also Read: 6 Health Benefits Of Cacao Nibs And How To Use It

Following are some advantages of cacao:

Antioxidant power — Raw cacao has about 4 times the antioxidant content of chocolate, 40 times more than blueberries and 119 times more than bananas. Even wine and green tea, which are known to be loaded with antioxidants, fail in the front of cacao.  Antioxidants reduce inflammation and may counteract other dangers of free radicals, which form due to sun exposure, smoking, pollution and other toxins. Flavonoids, a type of antioxidant present in cacao, boost overall health and may lower your risk of a variety of diseases while also preventing premature ageing.

Brain health — Cacao consumption of two cups per day has been shown to improve memory and enhance blood flow to the brain in a few studies. Cacao contains magnesium, which helps your brain focus and work more clearly. It may also aid in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

Stress buster and mood enhancer — Studies have shown that cacao consumption reduces the stress hormone cortisol. Cacao contains anandamide, the bliss molecule, which can improve your mood by increasing the circulation and availability of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain. It can also aid in the treatment of PMS and depression.

Increased Blood Flow To The Brain — Raw cacao is rich in a phytonutrient known as flavonol. Several studies have indicated that flavonols enhance blood flow to the brain. Researchers have noticed significant improvements in mental focus and attention span when blood flow improves.

Calming Effect — Nothing can derail your productivity like a stressed-out mind. It can be difficult to calm down and recenter in today’s fast-paced world. Raw cacao is classified as a vasodilator, which means it has the ability to widen blood vessels and improve blood flow throughout the body, making it the ultimate ally when dealing with a hectic schedule.

Your blood pressure drops as a result of vasodilation, and you begin to feel calmer and more relaxed. Raw cacao also contains a good amount of magnesium, which has a calming effect on the nervous system and can help to relax the mind and body.

Also Read: What’s An Ideal Choice- Dairy Butter Or Cacao Butter?

Aside from all of these amazing cacao benefits, theobromine present in it helps to stimulate the central nervous system, dilate blood vessels, and give the body a boost of energy. It has also been shown to be more effective than codeine in treating cough. Cacao has also been linked to improved kidney function.

Although cacao has numerous health benefits, excessive consumption can interfere with calcium retention and have a negative impact on the central nervous system. It can also cause anxiety, heartburn, insomnia, and abnormal heart rhythms if not used in moderation. Hence, A good rule of thumb is to limit yourself to no more than 4–6 teaspoons per day to obtain the optimal benefits from cacao!. Buy organic cacao powder in Malaysia from Diet Angel here!